Over the past two weeks we have looked at what our pastor is doing to us. Based upon a book by Alister Begg, we looked at seven negative caricatures of preachers, and we looked at some of the ways in which preachers can approach their task of preaching. Along with that, we then looked at the effects that these seven approaches to preaching can have on a congregation. (Check out Part One Here)
Last week we looked at one additional caricature of a preacher and its effects on the congregation. However, instead of this caricature being negative, the approach to preaching that we examined last week was positive. (Check out Part Two Here)
In both part 1 and part 2 we asked, “What is your pastor doing to you?” For this final part, we are are going to flip this around and ask the question, “What am I doing to my Pastor?”
To answer this question, I have spoken with several pastors and listed below are the five predominant responses that were common among them all. So, I’d like to finish this blog with these five things that you can do for your pastor to love him and to serve him well as he seeks to serve you by faithfully preaching and proclaiming God’s word.
Are you Praying for Him?
The single most important thing you can do for your pastor is to pray for him. Pastors are not perfect (and they never will be), and we need help through the Spirit of God in order to do what we do faithfully. Do you pray for your pastor? Again, the single greatest thing you can do for your pastor is to pray from him regularly. Are you praying for your Pastor?
Are you Honest with Him?
As a pastor, I have seen many people leave churches often without ever being honest with their pastor about the reason over which they are leaving. Although many of the reasons over which people leave churches are minor or preferential, in some cases there are some valid concerns. In the face of these concerns, I believe that it can seem much easier to slip out through the back door than to bring the concerns to your pastor and risk causing conflict. As a pastor, I will tell you that an honest conversation is always preferred to a vanishing member. I encourage you to be honest with your pastor.
Are you Gracious to Him?
Having said that, the way we are honest with our pastor makes a huge difference! Are you gracious in the way you speak to your pastor? Do we speak the truth in love? No pastor is perfect (nor will they ever be until they see Jesus face to face), and your pastor relies on the same grace upon which you rely. Are you gracious toward him?
How do you Talk about Him?
Whether it is inside or outside the church, another important thing that you can do for your pastor is to protect the way you speak about him to others. At times, you may have some valid concerns and disagreements with you pastor. In moments like this, it is more important than ever that you protect the way you speak about him. The truth is that slander is still slander, even when it is regarding a public figure such as a pastor of a local church. How do you talk about him?
Are you Serving His Family?
Lastly, so often, one of the greatest things that you can do for your pastor is to find ways to serve his family. How can you bless his wife? How can you bless his kids? His family? Are you serving his family? Sometimes the single most effective way to bless him is to bless them.